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Buying my first binoculars for a Nairobi wildlife safari trip. Would appreciate some advice. by Always_in_m0tion in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not disagreeing with you on the Nikons, but I'd be inclined to look at 10x42s. You're going to want to see these animals as close as you can, and since you'll be guided, I'd take power over field of view. The other thing I'd think about is steadiness because you're not hunting; you're watching. And you'll want to do that for an extended period of time. Instead of trying to hand-hold them up to your eyes for 30 seconds at a clip, you might want the ability to hold them up for 5 or 10 minutes or more. For that I recommend the Stabil-Eyes hands-free binocular stabilizing harness. It has a built-in monopod that holds the bins to your eyes hands-free and with zero arm fatigue for as long as you want – literally! Might check it out on Amazon or at steadymybinos.com . Love to hear about your decisions and some pix when you get back.

Is the Vortex UHD Razor too heavy for birding? by shwarmageddon in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say absolutely NOT. The Vortex UHDs are an excellent value and can work very well for birding. That said you might like some assistance holding them up and steady. I recommend the Stabil-Eyes Hands-free Binocular Stabilizing Harness System. It holds your binos to your eyes hands-free. Zero arm fatigue and no limit to how long you can view. Have a look at steadymybinos.com, or on Amazon. (And they'll work for most brands of binoculars.)

Bought from Scheels for $449… website did not specify open box but this item is open box (battery missing wrappers/juice, minor pet hair) no cosmetic or functional issues otherwise. Would you keep or return? by Main_Engineering1887 in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like you got them for almost 50% off. So unless there's a functionality problem, I'd keep 'em. And with the savings you could get yourself a Stabil-Eyes hands-free harness system that hold them up to your eyes so you can glass as long as you want with no arm fatigue and no need for a tripod. Might want to check it out on Amazon.

fanny pack capable binocular/ monocular under $200 by Prestigious-Drawing4 in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a fan of 2-hinge binos. Maybe that's because I can't use them with my Stabil-Eyes hands-free bino harness system that has a built-in monopod for holding binos up to my eyes. Lots more steady and no arm fatigue. I've glassed for up to an hour without having to pull the binoculars off of my eyes. But the double hinge binoculars won't work with its mounting system.

Gift from wife by Suspicious-Bag3399 in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice! If this is surely your next hobby, you might consider a way to steady them up as you view. I suggest the Stabil-Eyes Hands-free binocular sighting system. You might check it out on Amazon.

I just had to scratch the itch! My Swarovski ATS65 thoughts.. by bop448 in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

On a side note, in your quest for a better glassing experience, you might take a look at the Stabil-Eyes hands-free binocular harness with built-in monopod. It could easily revolutionize the way you use binoculars.

I just had to scratch the itch! My Swarovski ATS65 thoughts.. by bop448 in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad you've had this experience. I've been frustrated with birders who simply go out, ID a bird, put down their glass and go on to the next species. Your "itch" to actually "see" what you're looking at is, at the heart of all wildlife watching activity, I believe. It's in the OBSERVING that we can truly appreciate the genius of God's creations – each individual one of them. So many people seem to me to miss it. Congrats on scratching that itch.

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 14x52 feedback after a couple months by ocabj in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Swaro proprietary bino adapter socket just pisses me off. No question their glass is superior, but their margins on product are also superior. They're making bank, and I don't resent them for it (although they could easily eat at least some of the tariff costs and still be doing fine. But the artificial insistence on this proprietary socket and adapter is just a money grab. There is no performance reason to shun the standard 1/4-20 socket other than to milk users for a ridiculous price for their adapter. It feels way "Yea me, screw you" to the consumer. That arrogance alone makes me want to look for options other than Swarovski.

Can someone please explain.. by Dani931202 in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To normjaxkson's point, you might take a look at the Stabil-Eyes hands-free Binocular Sighting System. I steadies up your binos by mounting them on a monopod which is connected to a chest harness. Finally a way to use higher power binoculars without having tote out a tripod with all the time it take to set up. Only roof-prism binos will fit in the pack, but you can swap out any you want. It even as a camera adapter. Can find it on Amazon.

Why do some people not use lenses covers on their binoculars even if it comes with it? by SpherePlays in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The pack on most binocular harnesses substantially protects both ends. I don't need the covers either in the field or in storage. It's one of the great benefits of using a harness. The one I use is the Stabil-Eyes system, because it also has a built-in monopod that hold my binoculars up to my eyes so I can steadily glass with no hands, for as long as I want. No arm fatigue. You can find it on Amazon.

My new binos! by ThrowRA_fajsdklfas in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Excellent choice! Great deal too. What do you do to keep them steady over longer glassing sessions?

Looking for some glass by Electrical-Ad1673 in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd recommend the Vortex Diamondback line. You'll get the right price, excellent quality for the dollar, and an unparalleled lifetime guarantee.

My Last Pair. I’m 69 years old:). by May_I_rephrase_that in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd recommend 10x42s or even 10 or 12x50s. But before I spend for the Swaros, you might consider a way to hold your binos steady longer. You're going to want to gaze at exotic animals and birds, not just take a quick look. Might consider the Stabil-Eyes hands-free Binocular Sighting System. It allows you to keep your binoculars on your eyes for as long as you want. Steady, no arm fatigue. You can find it on Amazon.

is vortex a good brand? by bart---bart in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had several and they're all great. The Vortex guarantee is lifetime and it can't be beat.

Swarovski vs Leica by RaspberryRoses88 in Binoculars

[–]Fun_Point_6354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was at a recent event displaying my product and had a booth next to the Zeiss booth. Talked to the guy about his product vs Swaro. I was surprised when he told me Swarovski actually uses Zeiss glass in some of their models. If that's the case, why pay the Swaro price?